January 16, 1996 – The MLB executive council approves interleague play, beginning with the 1997 season, opening the door for such regional matchups like the Yankees and Mets in New York; the White Sox and Cubs in Chicago; and the Dodgers and Angels in Southern California. The Los Angeles Angels joined the American League in 1961 and spent their inaugural season at the former minor league ballpark of the Pacific Coast League L.A. Angels, Wrigley Field. The Angels played at Dodger Stadium from 1962-65, but called the ballpark “Chavez Ravine” on its ticket stock and publications. The first spring game between the Dodgers and Angels was held in Palm Springs in 1962 and the teams began playing exhibition series at Dodger Stadium beginning in 1963.